MY FAITH

Why my faith and being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is important to me:

-BRINGS ME CLOSER TO GOD-

Since my early youth I have always enjoyed being with my family during regular gospel study and prayer at home. These experiences have been complemented by attending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with my family and friends.

To me, some of the greatest teachings from home and church are that I’m a child of a Heavenly Father, and that as a kind and loving and perfect Father in Heaven he is aware of me. For example, I’m sure he knows my challenges, my triumphs, my strengths, and my potential. And, knowing all that, I believe he loves me and is patient with my progress. Most importantly, I believe he wants me to communicate and draw closer to Him in daily prayer and receive answers to my questions and desires.

When I was an eight year old boy, I remember praying about whether I should follow the example of Jesus Christ in keeping the commandments and being baptized. It all sounded logical based on the teachings I’d received, but I felt I ought to have an answer to my prayers. It took a little effort, but it is one of the first experiences in my life when I felt a unique emotion of calmness and peace come to me that assured me I was making the right choice. I have sought those feelings each time I have had an important decision in my life when I needed direction. I’ve learned that if I’m patient and willing to work with God’s own timeline and according to His will I can always receive answers.

-BRINGS HAPPINESS AND PEACE INTO MY LIFE-

With the teachings and example of Jesus Christ found in the scriptures, and through modern apostles and prophets, I find peace and happiness in life, even when storms in life surface.

One of the most difficult challenges in my life has been the illness of my daughter Megan.  She has lived a life of kindness and service, and yet a few years ago as an adult, and with a beautiful family, she began to have crippling health issues.  I saw her world dramatically change and paused to ask God why?  I was upset.  I have come to understand that God allows difficult challenges to occur so that we can glorify Him.  I can see it in the way others grow in facing their challenges.  I can see it in the way the proud are humbled and begin to serve those who are facing their challenges.  I have learned by experience and the teachings of Jesus Christ, that when approached from a spiritual perspective, our challenges are a great blessing.

I feel we can find the greatest happiness and peace throughout our lives by honoring Jesus Christ through serving others, loving God and keeping his commandments.

-PROVIDES ME A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND COMMUNITY-

Some of my greatest happiness comes because I’m needed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Church isn’t just a place to worship God, it’s also a place to serve him. And one of the best ways to serve God is by taking care of the people around us. Because there are no paid leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the church members volunteer to fill specific roles in their congregation like teaching Sunday School, playing music, organizing activities, or even something as simple and important as greeting people as they arrive at Church. I currently serve on a council that has me helping and supporting the church members in the seven congregations in Santa Cruz County.

One of the great joys of serving in the church is ministering to others.  During the Christmas season of 2019 my son Milton and I were asked to visit an elderly woman named Patti who is not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but was identified by a community organization as someone who might benefit from a visit or two during the holiday season.

Since that Christmas season Milton and I have been visiting Patti and enjoying her sense of humor and friendship.  She has become an important part of our family and the kids have begun calling her grandma.  The experience has given me a great sense of purpose and is an example of the happiness and purpose that comes through serving.

Through the years I’ve enjoyed learning more about the purpose of life from the experiences and teachings in the scriptures, and from attending church services where I can take time to focus on worshipping God and loving my neighbors.  I find it’s a weekly spiritual recharge and helps me remember Jesus Christ and what he has done for me.

To learn more about my faith go to www.ComeUntoChrist.org.